The passing of Hon. Joseph Emeke Ukpe on October 9th, 2024, has left the people of Delta State grieving the loss of a man whose dedication to public service and humanity defined his life. A former Majority Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, and later Chairman of the Delta State Library Board, Hon. Ukpe left an indelible mark on his community through his tireless efforts to uplift others.
Hon. Ukpe was celebrated by his peers as a man who devoted his career to serving his people with unwavering loyalty. Barrister Evans Ufeli, CEO of Enterprise Television, praised him as the "last of a dying breed" of politicians who genuinely served the public and not their personal interests. He noted how Hon. Ukpe used his position to empower his people, ensuring that 90% of graduates from his hometown, Etua, were employed during his tenure as chairman. "Some of the people he employed 20 years ago are still there, still working... That is what we expect from people," Ufeli remarked, underscoring the long-lasting impact of Hon. Ukpe’s leadership.
Nneka Ukpe, his younger sister, shared personal reflections that mirrored these public accolades. Her memories of their childhood reveal the foundations of Hon. Ukpe’s compassion and sense of duty. “My fondest childhood memory with my brother was when he would take me to school and handle all my admission processes. My friends thought he was my father because of how involved he was. They always told me how lucky I was to have him," she recalled with a smile. This deep sense of responsibility carried into his political career, where he became a pillar of support not only to his family but to his community.
READ ALSO
A Tribute to Hon. Emeke Ukpe: A Legacy of Service, Integrity, and Community Empowerment
As caretaker committee chairman of Ndokwa West from 2003 to 2004, and later as elected chairman from 2004 to 2007, Hon. Ukpe was known for his dedication to creating opportunities for his people. "During his time as the chairman, his utmost achievement was empowering people through making them gain full employment. He was unbeatable, and his track records speak for him through the people he has helped,” Nneka explained. This focus on empowerment was not just a political agenda for him—it was a reflection of his upbringing, where his parents instilled in him a commitment to giving back. “Our parents were very strict but they gave out to people without expecting anything in return. That impacted him so much, and you could see it in how he led.”
Despite his many accomplishments, Nneka emphasized that her brother remained humble. "He never allowed his position to get into his head. My brother related freely with everyone, whether old or young, irrespective of social status. His guiding principle was giving freely, willingly, without expecting anything back," she said. This humility, combined with his relentless pursuit of justice and equality, made Hon. Ukpe a beloved figure in Delta State politics.
Hon. Ukpe’s tenure as Majority Whip in the Delta State House of Assembly was another testament to his leadership. He was a force for unity within the People's Democratic Party (PDP), a role that Acting Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who mourned his loss deeply, highlighted during his condolence visit to the Ukpe family. "We are here because one of us, a brother, a colleague, a faithful party man, and a father has left us," Onyeme remarked, reflecting on their close bond.
As the community and his family come to terms with this profound loss, Hon. Ukpe’s legacy continues to inspire. His life was a testament to service, humility, and a deep love for his people. Through his acts of empowerment and his dedication to uplifting the lives of those around him, he left behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of the many he touched.
